"As far as I am concerned, because of the hard work I have done, I will continue to put PhD after my name and I am entitled to use the word Dr as and when I choose," she said.

Max Clifford, her PR representative, said McKeith's degree had not played a part in her career or popularity. He added: "Personally, I wish it had never been mentioned. She never needed it and it's done nothing but cause her embarrassment."

That's right: she's paying Max Clifford a fortune to do her PR, yet even he doesn't agree with her about this. I'm not sure I've ever seen him effectively rebut one of his clients' opinions before. Blimey.